Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Russia will resolve all challenges by force if Ukraine's leadership does not wish to end the conflict peacefully, said Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday during a meeting at one of the command posts of the special military operation.

Ukrainian leaders are in no hurry to resolve the conflict peacefully, even though some people in the West have urged Kiev to accept decent terms for ending the conflict and offered good fundamental conditions for ensuring Ukraine's long-term security, Putin said.

At the meeting with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and the commanders of the battle groups, Putin heard a report in which Gerasimov said that the Russian armed forces have controlled Gulyaipole in the Zaporozhye Region and Dimitrov in Donetsk.

Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Russia to resolve challenges by force if Ukraine rejects peace deal: Putin

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.

Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.

Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.

Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.

Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end